Manila: The governor of a southern Philippine island where Al Qaida-linked rebels are active says a bomb-rigged motorcycle has exploded near his convoy, wounding a town mayor and at least three security escorts.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan says he was not injured in Wednesday's explosion, which occurred as two cars were passing by the provincial capitol.

Tan says the mayor and the three escorts were brought to a hospital but their injuries are not serious.

Al Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants operate in the province, but Tan says police are still investigating if the group was behind the attack.

The militants have been holding an Italian Red Cross worker hostage since January.